Scientists from Finland have identified a common genetic mutation in a gene called NQO1 that strongly predicts poor survival in women with breast cancer who carry 2 copies of this mutation (Fagerholm R et al. Nat Genet. 10.1038/ng.155 [published ahead of print May 30, 2008]. NQO1 encodes an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative stress and carcinogenesis, and cells of women with 2 copies of the mutation (called NQO1*2) have no measurable NQO1 enzyme activity.